DOD head of space policy leaving next month

John Plumb, the first assistant defense secretary for space policy, plans to leave the Defense Department next month, a department spokesperson confirmed today.

Plumb has told his staff he intends to leave his position in early May, the spokesperson said, without including what his next plans are.

Plumb’s departure was first reported by Breaking Defense.

The Pentagon created the assistant defense secretary for space policy position in late 2020 following a requirement in the fiscal year 2020 National Defense Authorization Act. Space policy had previously been the work of a deputy assistant defense secretary.

Plumb was the first to hold the title after his Senate confirmation in March 2022.